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Jul 17, 2026 6:31 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh

Ontario cabinet minister Stan Cho resigns after controversy over Toronto hotel expense claims

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Ontario MPP Stan Cho speaks at a public event before resigning as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming following controversy over hotel expense claims. (Photo: X Stan Cho)

Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, has resigned from cabinet after facing criticism over thousands of dollars in hotel expenses claimed while living in Toronto.

According to reports, Cho claimed $16,203 in taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation expenses over the past three years, despite his home being only a few kilometres from Queen's Park. The expense claims were for stays at downtown Toronto hotels.

In a statement, Cho described the claims as a "significant mistake" and confirmed he has repaid the full amount to the provincial government. The Ontario government has not publicly announced whether any further review of the claims will take place.

The controversy also involves other Progressive Conservative MPPs. Brampton East MPP Hardeep Grewal has reportedly claimed more than $27,000 in Toronto hotel expenses since 2023, while Mississauga–Streetsville MPP Nina Tangri is reported to have claimed nearly $19,000 for similar accommodation costs.

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